Eddie Rice is a believer in vaccines. The Melbourne locksmith has received jabs in the past and understands that they go through rigorous testing before they¡¯re rolled out. This time, as researchers sprint ahead with potential shots to protect the world against COVID-19, he¡¯s not so sure.

¡°This is a pretty unique one, just because it¡¯s going to be so quick,¡± said Rice, 29. ¡°I don¡¯t know enough of the science to know 100% that it¡¯s safe.¡±

Governments and drugmakers have long faced skepticism, and even hostility, from a small but vocal group of anti-vaccination campaigners. In the battle against the coronavirus, they may also run into reluctance from a broader swath of the population ¡ª people like Rice who would normally be on board.